FAQs About Microchipping And Animal Hospital Visits
What is microchipping, and does your dog really need this veterinary service? If you recently adopted a new dog, you've probably heard about microchipping from a friend, family member, or neighbor. But you may be unsure whether this implant option is right for your pet. Take a look at what new pet owners need to know about microchips, animal hospital visits, and dog health/safety.
A Microchip Is Exactly What It Sounds Like
It's all in the name. A pet microchip is a micro (small-sized) chip (electronic transponder chip). Like other types of chips, a pet microchip transmits a signal that a scanner can read. This high-tech pet implant goes under the dog's skin and can help a vet or animal control to identify your dog.
A Microchip Is Not A Tracking Device
Even though a chip may seem like it could track your pet (and you or other household members who are near your dog), it doesn't have a GPS feature and won't constantly emit the type of signal necessary to pinpoint a location. This means if your dog disappears, you can't use the chip to find them. But if someone else finds your pet, they can bring your pet to someone (such as a vet or animal shelter) who can scan the microchip. When a veterinary animal hospital or animal shelter professional scans the chip, it will reveal an identification number. This provides valuable information about the owner and how to locate the pet's family.
A Microchip Requires Registration
How will a scan of your dog's microchip give a veterinarian your information? The microchip contains an identification number. This number is connected to a database. When your dog is chipped, you must register your contact information with the manufacturer's registry. This provides an easy way to contact you about your lost pet.
A Microchip Doesn't Hurt
Will a chip-filled injection hurt your dog? The veterinarian uses a hypodermic needle to inject the rice grain-sized chip under your dog's skin. This procedure won't require a sedative or anesthetic. The amount of discomfort depends on your dog's perception of pain but (in general) is no worse than what they would experience with a vaccination or other injection. Your dog shouldn't feel pain, pressure, or an unpleasant sensation after the chip is in place.
A Microchip Can Stop Your Dog From Ending Up At A Shelter
According to the ASPCA, 3.1 million dogs enter shelters across the United States annually. Of these animals, two million are adopted by families like yours. Without a microchip, a lost dog could end up in (or back in) a shelter. Reduce this risk and make an appointment with a local animal hospital, such as Bayside Animal Hospital.
